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individualism

 - 3 dictionary results

in⋅di⋅vid⋅u⋅al⋅ism

  [in-duh-vij-oo-uh-liz-uhm]
Use individualism in a Sentence
–noun
1. a social theory advocating the liberty, rights, or independent action of the individual.
2. the principle or habit of or belief in independent thought or action.
3. the pursuit of individual rather than common or collective interests; egoism.
4. individual character; individuality.
5. an individual peculiarity.
6. Philosophy.
a. the doctrine that only individual things are real.
b. the doctrine or belief that all actions are determined by, or at least take place for, the benefit of the individual, not of society as a whole.
Origin:
1825–35; individual + -ism
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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in·di·vid·u·al·ism   (ĭn'də-vĭj'ōō-ə-lĭz'əm)   
n.  

    1. Belief in the primary importance of the individual and in the virtues of self-reliance and personal independence.

    2. Acts or an act based on this belief.

    3. A doctrine advocating freedom from government regulation in the pursuit of a person's economic goals.

    4. A doctrine holding that the interests of the individual should take precedence over the interests of the state or social group.

    5. The quality of being an individual; individuality.

    6. An individual characteristic; a quirk.

    1. A doctrine advocating freedom from government regulation in the pursuit of a person's economic goals.

    2. A doctrine holding that the interests of the individual should take precedence over the interests of the state or social group.

    3. The quality of being an individual; individuality.

    4. An individual characteristic; a quirk.

    1. The quality of being an individual; individuality.

    2. An individual characteristic; a quirk.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Cultural Dictionary

individualism

A view that stresses the importance and worth of each person. In economics, it is the doctrine that individuals best serve the public interest by pursuing their own self-interest. For example, the businessman who expands his company to increase his profits also creates jobs for many people and thereby serves the public interest. (See laissez-faire.)

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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